Ofer - Administrative Detention, Appeal

Translation: Marganit W.

Mandela Goes Home

Mandela Abu Hawash, resident of Dura,

was arrested on 4.1.18 and taken immediately for interrogation to Ashkelon. Only three days ago was he transferred to the Ofer detention center.

Mandela is the son of Salem Abu Hawash, a veteran political activist who spent numerous years in jail.

Mandela graduated from Beir Zeit University in 2016 and works as an engineer. He also volunteers for several organizations. While in college Mandela was a member of the Popular Front [For the Liberation of Palestine] – something he openly admits. When he finished his studies he quit the organization.

The prosecution wants to indict him for membership in a proscribed organization and for providing services to that organization. [At this point the judge opined that there is no need for two charges: membership implies providing services].

The remand extension hearing was presided by Justice Lieut. Col. Shlomo Katz.

Atty. Mahmoud Hassan from Adameer represented Mandela.

The defense did not dispute Mandela’s membership in the students’ organization, but insisted that since his graduation in 2016 he had had no contact with the organization.

The judge thought that a discontinued membership need not haunt the student for the rest of his life. He added that in two years no proof had been submitted for any risk factor.

Thus he ordered Mandela released on 4000-shekel bond, third party warrantee for 10,000 shekels and summons for hearings by phone.

The prosecution was given until 17:00 to appeal.

From 17:00 on I was in contact with Atty. Mahmoud Hassan. It turned out the prosecution did not appeal the decision. Thus, as soon as bail is posted, Mandela will be released.

Thank God for small mercies.

In the yard we spoke with youngsters from Nabi Saleh. We asked them how many Palestinians of all ages from Nabi Saleh are currently in jail. They did not know exactly, but surmised that the number is around 25.

We spoke with several mothers of underage boys, also from Nabi Saleh. Their sons are in their senior year and they were all worried they may not be able to sit for the Tawjihi (matriculation exams). This will hamper their education, which the mothers stressed was very important to them.

Atty. Mahmoud Hassan later told us that the administrative detainees boycott the courts, and this includes the attorneys.

We wish them luck.